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Alcohol addiction is a problem when consumed on a regular basis and in high quantities. The higher the amount of alcohol you drink each day, the more likely you are to get addicted to it. If you decide to quit drinking for any reason, you may experience a few side effects or adverse symptoms for a while. The term “alcohol withdrawal” refers to the negative side effects you may feel if you suddenly stop consuming alcohol, after you have been addicted to it. While teens can also experience alcohol withdrawal, the symptoms are usually seen in adults. In case you are suffering from any medical condition, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms may be more severe than usual.

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually surface around 5 to 6 hours after you’ve had your last drink and gradually worsen over the next 3 or 4 days. Some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Clammy skin
• Depression
• Dilated or enlarged pupils
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• The inability to focus or think clearly
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Jumpiness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Nightmares
• Pallor
• Rapid heartbeat rate
• Severe mood swings
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Tremor in the hands and throughout the body

In some instances, you may experience the most severe forms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Aggression
• Agitation
• Changes in blood pressure (higher or lower)
• Confusion
• Fever
• Hallucination
• Seizures

At times, these symptoms could suddenly show up days after you’ve had your last drink and may last for weeks. Alcohol withdrawal is not only unpleasant; it can also be dangerous and life-threatening in some cases. Therefore, it is important to consult a health care expert for alcohol withdrawal treatment as soon as any of these symptoms become evident.

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

The main goal of an alcohol withdrawal treatment is reducing the symptoms and preventing any complications. Undergoing professional treatment will also help you strengthen your resolve to abstain from alcohol consumption. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, you may be given medication, like:

• Anti-depressants like Benzodiazepines
• Anti-seizure drugs like carbamazepine or divalproex sodium
• Beta blockers like propranolol and atenolol

Since there are a few side effects associated with these medicines, many people prefer adopting home remedies to battle alcohol withdrawal. Given below are some of the most common natural remedies recommended for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal:

• Acorn: This remedy diminishes the cravings for alcohol. It also reduces some of the damage caused by alcohol, such as enlarged liver or spleen.
• Angelica: Apart from reducing the dependency on alcohol, this herb creates a kind of a dislike for the substance. It also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, making it very effective for an enlarged spleen.
• Calanatts: The craving for alcohol can be controlled by this herb. Calanatts is restorative for the brain and the nervous system. It also helps relieve distention, cramps and gas.
• Cayenne: Intense alcohol cravings can be controlled to a gr    eat extent with the help of this remedy. This herb also helps alleviate morning vomiting, the gnawing sensation in the stomach, irritability, anxiety and tremors.
• Celandine: Those who are suffering from extreme sensitivity and severe effects of drinking are advised to take this herb. Emotions like anger and aggression that accompany withdrawals and cravings can also be controlled with celandine.
• Milk thistle: You can reduce liver damage caused by alcohol and medication through this herb.
• Oats: Focus & clarity can be improved through this natural remedy. Oats are excellent for weaning off alcohol, drugs and narcotics.
• Passionflower: Delirium Tremens, one of the most common side effects of alcohol withdrawal can be controlled with this remedy. Passion flower can also treat insomnia and spasms related to alcohol withdrawal.
• Wild Lettuce: Because of its mild sedative properties, this herb promotes better sleeping patterns and calmness in people of all ages. It also produces a sense of well-being and relieves pain in those trying to fight off an addiction.

There are a few side effects associated with these natural remedies too and therefore, it is essential to check with a doctor before taking any of these herbs.

In addition to these remedies, there are a few self-care steps that can also help you alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Given below are some of the lifestyle changes that should be incorporated:

• Strictly avoiding foods and beverages that contain any amount of alcohol
• Increasing intake of water and other healthy fluids like green tea and coconut water
• Following a well-balanced diet with Vitamin B rich foods or vitamin B supplements
• Practicing techniques to reduce stress, like yoga or meditation
• Taking the prescribed medication, as recommended by the doctor
• Seeking help from family, friends, relatives and colleagues to overcome the problem

While the self-care steps mentioned above are quite safe of practiced correctly, it is best to check with a doctor before trying any of them.

References

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000764.htm